FPCCI Opposes Preponing Trade Bodies Elections to 2025 Decision Should Be Reconsidered Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI

Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has apprised that, after broad-based
consultative process with chambers, associations and trade bodies across Pakistan, FPCCI has
principally decided to oppose the proposed decision of the government – mandating preponing
and holding of trade body elections in 2025 – as the last elections were conducted recently in
September 2024; and, the mandate to the elected office bearers was for 2 years; i.e. October 2024
to September 2026.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh noted that, if the decision is implemented and the elections are held in the
year 2025, the tenure of the trade bodies elected for 2 years will be unfairly reduced to 1 year –
against the will of the voters of the business, industry and trade community

President FPCCI maintained that the decision to call for fresh elections within such a short-span
undermines the stability and continuity required for effective governance and policy advocacy
initiatives within trade organizations, he added.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh continued that the recent elections, held as per the Trade Organizations
Ordinance, were conducted transparently; and, in accordance with established legal procedures.
Calling for another round of elections in 2025 disregards the mandate given by the business
community; and, disrupts the functioning of trade bodies at a critical time when economic and
policy continuity are immensely essential for the country, he added.

FPCCI Chief further stressed that holding elections so soon after the previous ones is not only
unnecessary; but, also counterproductive. It creates uncertainty among the trade organizations;
and, will also certainly divert their focus from crucial economic and business development
initiatives and programs.

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, urged the government to reconsider this decision; and,
allow the elected representatives – across Pakistan in various industries and sectors – to complete
their legal terms as per the existing framework. Any amendments to the Trade Organizations
Ordinance should be made in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that trade bodies
operate in a stable, effective and productive manner, he added.